“I’ve discovered that real success involves encouraging others along the path rather than just focusing on oneself.”
Impressed by all the remarkable things she has done at such a tender age, Entrepreneurs Today got in touch with Priya Aswani, a young life coach, author, and content and creative writer.
At just the age of 16, she authored ‘3 AM Thoughts: Thoughts Turning into Forever Definition.’
About Priya Aswani
Priya Aswani, a Syracuse University student studying Accounting and Business Analytics, is a budding entrepreneur with a diverse background. Starting with an internship that fueled her entrepreneurial ambitions, she garnered valuable industry experience and became a content and creative writer at Henry Harvin.
Priya’s commitment to continuous growth led her to the Harvard Summer School program, where she expanded her knowledge and spoke as a TEDx speaker, inspiring others to break free from conventional thinking.
Certified in coaching and cognitive behavioral therapy, Priya is also a certified Arfeen Khan Life coach, using her expertise to help others unlock their potential and understand human behavior.
About ‘3 AM Thoughts’
Priya’s book, ‘3 AM Thoughts: Thoughts Turning into Forever Definition,’ addresses the common struggle of overthinking at 3 am. Focusing on the power of thoughts to shape one’s life, the book encourages readers to redefine and empower their thoughts, transforming negative and limiting beliefs into ones that lead to personal growth.
Through proven processes, Priya provides a practical guide to turning vulnerable thoughts into empowering ones for a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
In ‘3 AM Thoughts,’ readers gain practical insights on transforming limiting beliefs into empowerment. Key takeaways include recognizing unfavorable beliefs by examining decision-making patterns and fears.
The book encourages action to challenge and dispel these ideas, promoting positive affirmations and visualization for mental strength. Embracing failures as opportunities, adopting a growth-oriented mindset, and practicing self-compassion are pivotal, according to Priya. Establishing realistic goals is emphasized to debunk the notion of impossibility. While the strategies are all known to many of us, the book emphasizes their importance in facilitating change and empowering readers to decide their application for personal growth.
Impact
Priya has given a TEDx talk where she delved into the theme of defying conventional wisdom, drawing from her personal experiences to highlight the transformative potential of seizing opportunities and adopting a mindset that challenges traditional norms.
The main objective of the talk was to encourage the audience to consider unconventional career paths, emphasizing the need for life to extend beyond conventional beliefs. Aswani advocated for pursuing one’s potential and breaking rules to create a more vibrant and fulfilling life.
Priya also conducts coaching that is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Her approach focuses on identifying and changing harmful thought patterns, fostering a mindset that supports both personal development and well-being. She believes in the potential for change as the first step towards unlocking full capabilities.
Priya sees success as a journey of shared growth, not just a destination, emphasizing accomplishments in every stride. Her coaching creates an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging honest discussions and recognizing individual and group achievements. Growth, in her view, thrives in a setting of acceptance, active listening, and non-judgment.
Celebrating feats
Priya’s notable achievements include receiving an Honorary Doctorate in Literature for her work, ‘3 AM Thoughts,’ for its societal impact.
Priya has consistently upskilled herself, earning certifications such as Certified Digital Content Writer (CDCW) and Certified Creative Writing Specialist (CCWS) from Henry Harvin Writing Academy. She also holds a Certificate in ‘Executive Presence and Influence: Persuasive Leadership Development’ from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Other accolades include being awarded the Tagore Commemorative Honouree Author for 2022, earning college credits from Harvard Summer School, and receiving a Certificate of Appreciation as a Sustainable Disruptor for Impactful Venture by Clever Harvey.
Furthermore, Priya has achieved Certificates of Achievement as Jr CEO, Jr CMO, and Jr CTO from Clever Harvey’s Junior MBA Program in 2020. She is also a CCE-accredited Arfeen Khan coach.
Challenges faced
In Priya’s journey, self-doubt and individual failures emerged as formidable challenges. Admitting to experiencing moments of uncertainty and setbacks, Priya turned these difficulties into stepping stones for personal development. She found strength in resolving failures, relying on the unwavering support of her family, particularly her aunt and parents, to overcome bouts of self-doubt.
Another challenge for her was,
“Enrolling in classes where admission was often based on age posed a special difficulty. I never saw age as a barrier, but it became a potential one. Rather, I considered it a unique quality that made me stand out.”
Despite admission criteria often being tied to age, Priya reframed this challenge as an opportunity to showcase the value of diverse perspectives. Rather than viewing age as a barrier, she embraced it as a unique quality that set her apart.
In reflecting on this experience, Priya emphasized the importance of accepting individuality. She affirms,
“Becoming older shouldn’t limit opportunities—rather, it should improve them by offering an alternative perspective. I discovered that being different is not only acceptable but actually a strength that enriches the group’s experience.”
Lessons learned
Out of all the lessons she learned along her journey, one that Priya emphasizes the most is seizing opportunities for personal and professional growth. Her family, especially her parents and aunt, has been crucial in supporting her entrepreneurial journey. Despite facing roadblocks like self-doubt and setbacks, Priya has built a resilient and inclusive mindset.
When asked about what she believes is the key to her success, she says she owes it all to honest communication and authenticity, considering vulnerability a strength that fosters deeper connections. Priya values empathy, recognizing its role in sustaining meaningful connections for career growth. As a young life coach, her priority is providing customized guidance, emphasizing a vision for her team that promotes innovation and adaptability.
Priya’s message to entrepreneurs:
“My advice to would-be business owners is straightforward: have a positive outlook, maintain your humility, encourage mutual development, meet obstacles head-on and sincerely, and most of all, adopt a modest and all-encompassing perspective. By doing this, the influence will be felt considerably more widely and the entrepreneurial journey will be more gratifying.”
Priya signs off by reminding everyone,
“In the symphony of life, let your thoughts be the empowering notes that compose the masterpiece of your destiny. Embrace challenges as opportunities, for it’s in rewriting the score of our thoughts that we craft the most harmonious of futures.”
